when did augustus die
19 august 14AD
what was the conspiracy around aug’s death
that livia poisoned him
when did livia die
29AD
what god was augustus associated with upon his deification
fertility gods, like julius caesar
shakespeare’s antony and cleopatra
1607
- set in the power struggle period and the affair w MA and Cleo
- Aug is presented as eager for power and ready for the task despite his age
- but also an antagonist who is often angry and violent on stage, a contrast ot his peaceful propaganda
Robert Graves’ I, Claudius 1934
- narrated by Claudius (fictional) and covers reigns of aug, tiberius etc
- augustus is well meaning, desiring to restore the republic but manipulated by livia to maintain power.
- livia poisons aug after he attempts to name postumus agrippa as heir, thwarting her plans for tiberius.
Allan Massie’s Augustus 1986
- fictional biography split into middle-aged augustus narrating triumphantly, gloating over triumphal victories. and part 2 of the older aug reflecting somberly on his life, contemplating rome’s future.
Neil Gaiman’s Sandman: August 1991
- augustus, disguised, wanders rome and discusses his life
- shows pietas towards gods, rome’s ideals, and accountability for war’s devastation.
Neil Gaiman’s sandman: august ALIGNS/NOT
= piety and dedication to rome align with RG 19-21 where he lists his temple restorations
= acknowledging war is less typical as propaganda eg prima porta emphasise divine strength not moral guilt
= aug is pious, reflective leader proud of pax augusta
Alan Massie’s Augustus ALIGNS/NOT
= sensitive, multifaceted augustus, imperator and dedicated to rome’s safety and prosperity. balances achievements with personal losses.
= early triumphs align with RG 4 military victories
gloating is less consistent with public humility, later reflection echoes rome’s future RG 13 “i rebuilt the capitol for the benefit of the state”. and aligns with him being protector of the state.
Robert graves’ I, Claudius ALIGNS/NOT
= aligns with aug’s republican facade in RG (1)
- livia’s villainy contrasts with her portrayal as an ideal matrona.
= aug as a sympathetic but flawed ruler, undermined by family disloyalty, diverging from his idealised authoritative image.
Antony and cleopatra ALIGNS/NOT
- aug shows magnanimity by allowing their burial together, reflecting his clementia.
aligns with public image in RG 3 “i spared all citizens who sought pardon”
